Today my buddy Larry, one of the many Williamsburg has seen to “displace” of late, took me on a tour of his new-ish neighborhood. As we rounded the corner at 36th Avenue and 31st Avenue we heard a sound. It was the sound of freedom.

More specifically, it was the sound of metal— and the above-depicted gentlemen were the origin. My travelling companion, Larry, and I waved to them in appreciation. In return we were greeted with “devil horns”. So naturally we did what exactly after-school specials told us not to do: we walked over to make their acquaintance.

I cannot attest to the conversation Larry had initially with these fellows. This is because I went to a bodega. My reason for doing so will become apparent later. What I can say is Eric and Martin rock. BIG TIME.

After Eric played this tune I asked him if he has a web site or anything on Youtube. He said he did, in fact, have footage on Youtube— but he thought it sucked so he and I quote:

Blew it away!

Eric asked me if I liked metal. I assured him I did. He informed me he loved metal and was drunk as hell. The first, gentle readers, is beyond question and I can personally attest to the latter. I asked if I could make a request. Not only was Eric game, but he refused to accept any money in return.* Touched by this demonstration of generosity (who expects to get anything for free in 2014 New York City anymore?) I asked Eric what he likes.

Slayer, The Misfits, Danzig, Metallica and Iron Maiden

was his reply.

So I requested the first thing that came to mind. Here it is.

Those of you who seek real, genuine, 100% New York City hospitality go to the 36th Avenue stop of the N/Q in Queens.

There your hospitality ambassadors await you. Not only do Eric and Martin take requests (and won’t make fun if you can’t sing Metallica)— for free— but they’ll even give you a send off number. We got Black Sabbath.

Welcome to Nevernevermotherfuckingland, Taylor Swift!

Photo Credits: The first four images gracing this post come courtesy of Larry Auerbach. Not only is he a very nice fellow and an immensely talented photographer, but his musings on life rarely fail to make me smile!

*Which is why I went to the bodega. I had $5.00 on my person. I bought a bottle of water so as to get four one dollar bills in return. I needed $1.00 in order to refill my Metrocard for a ride home. This left $3.00 which went, after careful consideration, to Eric’s aide de camp Martin.